Oklahoma! 2021-2022 National Tour — Page 2

Miles2Go2 said: "darquegk said: "Sam Mendes’s Cabaret was once considered too edgy and radical to appeal to the regionals and touring world… now it’s the accepted default vision of the show."

Well that’s fills me with some optimism. I only know the Cabaret movie and the last revival. Is the revival that different in mood and approach compared to the original compared to how the Oklahoma revival’s approach to its original material?"

Definitely, like day and night. It is a complete new interpretation of the piece by an multidisciplinary creator. It is dark, disturbing and amazing; does not try to sugar coat it for any R&H or classic musical purist. It is raw and wonderful.

bwayphreak234 said: "dmwnc1959 said: "Being as I’ve never caught this on Broadway, have never seen any staged version, or have even ever watched the movie (such blasphemy! j/k LOL),is there a way to approach seeing this “reimagined” production for a “first time” Oklahoma! experience?"

I mean, you could listen to the multiple cast albums out there, but I honestly think going in not knowing anything would be pretty cool for this particular production of Oklahoma!... But I can also say I had so much fun seeing this reimagined take with my background knowledge of the show. I think either way it will be cool to experience it either completely fresh with no background "research" or to go in having familiarized yourself with the show and seeing just how different this production is!"

I went into the revival with extensive knowledge of the work BUT my +1 when I won the lotto went into it knowing ZERO about the show. Based on our different backgrounds... I personally recommend if you are going into this one without much previous knowledge of Oklahoma as a whole, keep it that way. Don't waste your time trying to learn about all the versions before it because you are not going to get those version here. Not by a long shot. This version is so unique and contemporary. The only thing that really knowing the piece well gives you is an appreciate (or hate) for what this revival changes through the direction alone. And I feel like only sort of knowing about it will be less effective for the viewing experience then knowing nothing at all about it.

Going into it cold and experience it as if this was the way it has always been directed may give a better overall experience seeing it because you have no expectations to be met. Then AFTER you see it, go back and see what was done differently with it. Better to be let down or raised up by the original after seeing it.

I can't speak for the rest of the cast, but Sasha Hutchings was on as Ado Annie for Ali Stoker when I saw this on Broadway and she was great. I'll be curious to see her take on Laurey, but I can't imagine anyone will be as breathtaking in that role as Rebecca Naomi Jones.

Call_me_jorge said: "seaweedjstubbs said: "There is no onstage seating for the tour."

Do you know that for sure? There is onstage seating shown in this photo. I mean, I know it’s not entirely the same, but if Moulin Rouge can sell can-can seats I’m not sure why Oklahoma can’t sell onstage seating."

I too initially thought that the stage set up looked like they would have onstage seating, but then I seem to recall that at CITS, those tables/seats were also used occasionally as part of the set for cast members to sit, lean on, etc. Am I remembering wrong? So maybe that’s why the tables are on the stage?

Also, at Moulin Rouge, isn’t there a slight bit more divide between the can-can seats and the cast compared to the onstage seating of Oklahoma? I know the cast walk among those seated in the MR can-can seats, but as I recall the cast are walking elevated above the seated patrons. Seems a bit safer (if not by a lot) than the Oklahoma onstage seating.

Something else that occurred to me is I don’t know if the vaccine and mask mandates for touring shows are mandated by the shows or if it’s varying by venue. If it’s by venue, that could also be another good reason to not have onstage seating at all rather than having to change up staging depending on each venue’s safety policies. I mean for the My Fair Lady tour, they don’t even have Eliza exit down the orchestra aisle as she did at LCT

I personally don’t think I’d want to be on stage with the whole audience staring at us for the duration of the show, but I can see the enticement. I didn’t opt for onstage seating when I saw it twice at CITS, primarily due to pricing and because I prefer a back support for my bad back rather than bench seating.

One last thought - could it be that they’d do onstage seating but they’ll use members of the local theater community that agree to increased testing and other protocols? I know there were brief (as I recall) moments where the cast interacted with the onstage audience I’m especially thinking of one moment with Ado Annie of course that could easily be switched to being with a cast member.

n2nbaby said: "Seeing this on Saturday and I’m very, very excited. I loved it on Broadway. Will report back!"

VERY much looking forward to your thoughts and feedback on the show. Also, did you happen to see what the souvenir stand was offering?